Variable angle bone plate

ABSTRACT

A bone plate having at least one variable angle locking hole is described. The variable angle locking hole allows a bone anchor having a threaded head to be driven into underlying bone while oriented at an angle with respect to a central hole axis of the hole that is within a range of angles at which the head is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread of the bone plate. Accordingly, the bone anchor can be driven into the underlying bone until the threaded head threadedly purchases with the bone plate inside the variable angle locking hole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 15/260,694 filed Sep. 9, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/385,092 filed on Sep. 8, 2016, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to bone fixation implants, and in particular relates to a bone plate that is configured to lockingly receive a bone screw at an angular orientation in a range of permissible angular orientations at which the bone plate can lockingly receive the bone screw.

When bones are damaged through trauma, disease, distraction osteogenesis, or orthognathic surgery, the defect is typically reduced, and bone fixation plates are commonly applied to the bone on opposite sides of the defect to ensure union in the desired position. Bone plates are typically made from a rigid material, such as titanium, and include fixation holes that are sized to be driven through the fixation holes and into the underlying bone to secure the bone plate to the bone. One common bone screw used in such application is generally referred to as a compression screw. Compression screws have unthreaded heads and threaded shafts. Accordingly, the compression screw can be driven through the plate fixation hole and into the underlying bone until the head applies a compression force against the bone plate toward the underlying bone. Another common bone screw used in such applications is generally referred to as a locking screw. Locking screws have threaded heads and threaded shafts. Accordingly, the locking screw can be driven through the plate fixation hole and into the underlying bone until the head threadedly mates with the bone plate in the fixation hole. Thus, the head of the locking screw does not apply a compressive force against the bone plate toward the underlying bone.

Conventionally, locking screws were inserted through the screw hole along the central screw hole axis in order to ensure that the threaded screw head mates with the plate in the threaded fixation hole. Recently, however, bone plates have been developed having threaded fixation holes that are configured to receive locking screws at different trajectories within a range of trajectories whereby the bone plate threadedly mates with the locking screw head in the threaded hole. While bone plates having such holes, commonly referred to as variable angle holes, have proved to be satisfactory for their intended purpose, improved variable angle holes are nevertheless desired.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a bone plate can include an inner surface configured to face bone, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface along a transverse direction. The bone plate further includes an internal surface that extends from the outer surface to the inner surface, the internal surface defining a fixation hole that extends from the outer surface to the inner surface along a central hole axis and is sized to receive a shaft of a bone anchor that extends out with respect to a threaded head of the bone anchor along a central anchor axis. The bone plate can further include at least one thread that extends from the internal surface into the fixation hole. The bone plate can further define a plurality of recesses that extend through the bone plate body from the inner surface to the outer surface, the recesses further extending into the internal surface in a radially outward direction away from the central hole axis so as to divide the at least one thread into a plurality of columns of thread segments that are offset from each other along the transverse direction. The thread segments of each of the columns can have respective circumferential lengths that increase in an axially inward direction from the outer surface to the inner surface. The at least one thread can be configured to threadedly mate with the threaded head while the bone anchor is inserted into the fixation hole such that the central anchor axis is oriented at a first orientation with respect to the central hole axis, and the at least one thread is further configured to threadedly mate with the threaded head when the bone anchor is inserted into the fixation hole such that the central anchor axis is oriented at a second orientation angle with respect to the central anchor axis that is different than the first orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the reconstruction device and related method thereof, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments, in which like reference numerals correspond to like reference numerals throughout. The reconstruction device and related methods are not limited to the specific embodiments and methods disclosed, and reference is made to the claims for that purpose.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bone fixation system constructed in accordance with one embodiment, including a bone plate and a plurality of fixation members that attach the bone plate to an underlying bone;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a bone plate constructed in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a bone plate constructed in accordance with yet one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a variable angle locking hole;

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of a portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side elevation view of the portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a sectional side elevation view of the portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 4, taken along line 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a sectional side elevation view of the portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 3A, shown with a bone anchor threadedly mated to the bone plate inside the variable angle locking hole at a first orientation;

FIG. 8 is a sectional side elevation view of the portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 7, shown with a bone anchor threadedly mated to the bone plate inside the variable angle locking hole at a second orientation different than the first orientation;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 4, but shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 9B is a sectional perspective view of the portion of the bone plate illustrated in FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bone fixation system 20 is configured to be implanted onto bone 22 so as to stabilize a first bone segment 24 with respect to a second bone segment 26 that is separated from the first bone segment 24 by a defect 28. In one example, the first bone segment 24 can be defined by the diaphysis of the bone, while the second bone segment 26 can be defined by the metaphysis of the bone. It should be appreciated, however, that the first and second bone segments 24 and 26 can be defined by any region of the bone 22 as desired. Further, the bone 22 can be any bone in the human or animal anatomy suitable for bone plate fixation. Further still, while the bone 22 is illustrated having first and second bone segments 24 and 26, it is appreciated that the bone 22 can include any number of defects or bone fragments as desired that are configured for fixation using the bone fixation system 20. For instance, the diaphysis of the bone can include a plurality of bone fragments.

The bone fixation system 20 can include a bone plate 30 and a plurality of bone anchors 32 that are configured to fix the bone plate 30 to the underlying bone 22, and in particular to each of the first and second bone segments 24 and 26. The bone anchors 32 include a head 33 and a shaft 35 that extends out with respect to the head 33 along a central anchor axis 53. The shaft 35 can extend directly from the head, or can extend from a neck that is disposed between the head 33 and the shaft 35. The shaft 35 can be threaded, such that the bone anchor 32 is configured as a bone screw 37 whose shaft 35 extends out relative to the head 33 along the central anchor axis 53, which can also be referred to as a central screw axis. The threaded shaft 35 can be configured to threadedly purchase in the underlying bone 22. For instance, one or more up to all of the bone screw 37 can be configured as a cortical screw whose threaded shaft 35 is designed and configured to threadedly mate to cortical bone. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the bone screws 37 can be configured as a cancellous screw whose threaded shaft 35 is designed and configured to threadedly mate to cancellous bone. It is appreciated that cancellous bone screws have threads that have a greater pitch than threads of cortical bone screws. Further, the threads of cancellous bone screws typically extend out from the shaft of the bone screw a greater distance than the threads of cortical bone screws.

The bone plate 30 defines a bone plate body 31. The bone plate body 31, and thus the bone plate 30, defines an inner surface 34 configured to face the underlying bone 22, and an outer surface 36 that is opposite the inner surface 34 along a transverse direction T. The bone plate 30 further defines a plurality of fixation holes 38 that extend through the bone plate body 31 from the inner surface 34 to the outer surface 36. In particular, the bone plate body 31, and thus the bone plate 30, includes a plurality of internal surfaces 39 that extend from the outer surface 36 to the inner surface 34 and defines a respective fixation hole 38 that extends from the outer surface 36 to the inner surface 34 along a central hole axis 45 (see FIGS. 7-8). The central hole axis 45 can be oriented along the transverse direction T. Thus, the central hole axis 45 can be oriented normal to each of the inner surface 34 and the outer surface 36. It should be appreciated, of course, that the central hole axis 45 can be oriented along any suitable direction with respect to the inner surface 34 and outer surface 36 as desired.

The fixation holes 38 are sized to receive the shaft 35 of a respective one of the bone screws 37. Thus, the bone screws 37 that extend through fixation holes 38 are permanent bone screws, meaning that they remain after completion of the surgical procedure. This is distinguished from temporary fixation holes that, for instance, can be configured to receive temporary fixation members, such as Kirschner wires that are removed prior to completion of the surgical procedure. In this regard, the fixation holes 38 can be referred to as permanent fixation holes. Accordingly, during operation, the shaft 35 of the bone screw 37 can be inserted through a respective one of the fixation holes 38 and into the underlying bone 22. The bone screw 37 can then be rotated so as to cause the threaded shaft 35 to be driven into the underlying bone as the threaded shaft 35 threadedly purchases with the underlying bone. The threaded shaft 35 can be driven into the underlying bone until the head 33 engages the bone plate 30. One or more up to all of the bone screws 37 can be configured as a compression screw whose head 33 is configured to bear against the bone plate 30 so as to apply a compressive force against the bone plate 30 toward the underlying bone 22 when the shaft 35 is driven further into the underlying after the head 33 has contacted the internal surface 39. The shaft 35 can be driven into the underlying bone a sufficient distance until the desired compressive force has been imparted onto the bone plate 30. The head 33 of the compression screw is often unthreaded. Similarly, at least a portion up to an entirety of the internal surface 39 can be unthreaded.

In another example, one or more up to all of the bone screw 37 can be configured as locking screws that are configured to lock to the bone plate 30. In particular, the head 33 can be externally threaded. The internal surface 39 can be similarly threaded so as to be configured to threadedly mate with the threaded head 33. Accordingly, during operation, the shaft 35 can be inserted through the fixation hole 38 and driven into the underlying bone as described above. In particular, when the bone screw 37 is a locking screw, rotation of the screw 37 causes the threaded head to threadedly mate with the internal surface 39. As a result, the screw head 33 fastens the bone plate 30 to the underlying bone without applying a compressive force onto the bone plate 30 against the underlying bone. The bone plate 30 can be spaced from the underlying bone when locked to the head 33. Alternatively, the bone plate 30 can abut the underlying bone when locked to the head 33. At least a portion of the internal surface 39 is typically tapered as it extends in an axially inward direction from the outer surface 36 toward the inner surface 34. Thus, the internal surface 39 is configured to prevent the head 33 from passing completely through the fixation hole 38. The head 33 can be constructed in accordance with any embodiment as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,574,268, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein. Thus, it is appreciated that the head 33 can define at least one external thread that is circumferentially continuous about the central anchor axis 53. It should be appreciated, however, that the head 33 can be alternatively constructed in any manner desired so as to threadedly mate with the internal surface 39 as described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3A-3B, at least one of the fixation holes 38 of the bone plate 30 is configured as a variable angle locking hole 44 that is configured to threadedly mate with the bone screw 37 at different orientations of the bone screw 37 with respect to the central hole axis 45. That is, when the fixation hole 38 is configured as a variable angle locking hole 44, the bone plate body 31, and thus the bone plate 30, includes at least one thread 46 that projects out from the internal surface 39 into the fixation hole 38.

The bone screw 37 is configured to be inserted into the fixation hole 38 such that the central anchor axis 53 is at one of a plurality of orientations with respect to the central hole axis 45 within a range of orientations at which the threaded head 33 is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread 46 in the fixation hole 38. For instance, the bone screw 37 is configured to be inserted into the fixation hole 38 such that the central anchor axis 53 is at one of a plurality of angles within a range of angles defined by the central anchor axis 53 and the central hole axis 45 at which the threaded head 33 is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread 46 in the fixation hole 38. The range of angles can be from approximately zero degrees to approximately 15 degrees. Thus, the range of angles can define a cone of up to approximately thirty degrees. Thus, it can be said that the at least one thread 46 is configured to threadedly mate with the threaded screw head 33 while the bone screw 37 is inserted into the fixation hole 38 such that the central anchor axis 53 is oriented at a first angle with respect to the central hole axis 45, and the at least one thread 46 is further configured to threadedly mate with the threaded screw head 33 when the bone screw 37 is inserted into the fixation hole 38 such that the central anchor axis 53 is oriented at a second angle with respect to the central hole axis 45 that is different than the first angle. At least one or both of the first and second angles can be non-zero angles. Alternatively, the central anchor axis 53 can be coincident with the central hole axis 45 in one of the orientations in the range of orientations. The threads 46 and the threads of the head 33 are defined prior to insertion of the bone screw 37 into the variable angle locking hole 44. That is, the internal surface 39 is not designed or configured to cut threads into the bone screw head 33. Similarly, the bone screw head 33 is not designed or configured to cut threads into the internal surface 39. The variable angle locking hole 44 is described in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, the bone plate 30 can be configured in any suitable manner as desired. In one example, the bone plate body 31, and thus the bone plate 30, can include a first plate portion 40 and a second plate portion 42. In one example, the first plate portion 40 can define a plate head portion 41 that is configured to overlie the second bone segment 26, and the second plate portion 42 can be referred to as a plate shaft portion 43 that is configured to overlie the first bone segment 24. Each of the plate head portion 41 and the plate shaft portion 43 can include at least one up to a plurality of bone fixation holes 38. Thus, bone anchors 32 that extend through respective fixation holes 38 of the plate head portion 41 can be driven into the metaphysis region of the underlying bone, and bone anchors 32 that extend through respective fixation holes 38 of the plate shaft portion 43 can be driven into the diaphysis region of the underlying bone. The metaphysis region can, for instance, be defined by the distal region of the radius bone. Any one or more up to all of the fixation holes 38 of the bone plate 30 can be compression holes, locking holes, or variable angle locking holes 44.

In one example, all of the fixation holes 38 in the first plate portion 40 are variable angle locking holes 44. Further, in one example, all of the fixation holes 38 in the second plate portion 42 are compression holes configured to receive cortical bone screws. Further, at least one or more up to all of the compression holes can be configured as slots that are elongate along a central longitudinal axis of the bone plate to allow for positional flexibility of the bone screw received therein. Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more up to all of the compression holes can have a circular cross-section so as to locate the position of the bone screw received therein. As described above, however, it should be appreciated that the bone plate 30 can be configured to attach to any region or regions of any suitable bone in the human or animal anatomy suitable for bone plate fixation.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, the bone plate 30 is illustrated in accordance with three non-limiting examples. In FIGS. 2A-2C, the bone plate 30 defines a length that extends along a longitudinal direction L, a width that is less than the length and extends along a lateral direction A that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and a thickness that is less than both the length and the width and extends along the transverse direction T that is perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction Land the lateral direction A. The bone plate 30 defines a distal direction from the plate shaft portion 43 to the plate head portion 41, and a proximal direction from the plate head portion 41 to the plate shaft portion 43. The distal and proximal directions can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The bone plate 30 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C has an outer perimeter 48 that is defined by the plate shaft portion 43 and the plate head portion 41. Further, at least a portion of the plate head portion 41 of the bone plate 30 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C can be angled so as to extend outward as it extends in the distal direction away from the plate shaft portion 43.

Referring now to FIG. 2A in particular, the outer perimeter 48 can be substantially Y-shaped. That is, the outer perimeter 48 can flare away outward as it extends along the distal direction from the plate shaft portion 43. Thus, the width of the bone plate 30 at the plate head portion 41 increases as it extends in the distal direction. The width can increase at a constant rate. Alternatively, the width can increase at an increasing rate. Alternatively still, the width can increase at a decreasing rate. The plate head portion 41 can define a plurality of fixation holes 38. One or more up to all of the fixation apertures in the plate head portion 41 can be configured as variable angle locking holes 44.

The fixation holes 38 of the head portion 41 can be arranged in a first row 50 a and a second row 50 b that is offset from the first row 50 a in the proximal direction. The first row 50 a can contain a greater number of fixation holes 38 than the second row 50 b. For instance, the first row 50 a can contain double the number of fixation apertures of the second row 50 b. In one example, the first row 50 a can include four fixation holes 38, with first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the bone plate 30, and third and fourth ones 38 c and 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline of the bone plate 30 opposite the first side. The first one 38 a of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be disposed laterally outward with respect to the second one 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a. Similarly, the third one 38 c of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be disposed laterally outward with respect to the fourth one 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a. Further still, the central hole axis of the fourth one 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be offset from the central hole axis of all other ones of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a in the distal direction. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first row 50 a can include any number of fixation holes 38 as desired, arranged as desired. Further, the first and second rows 50 a and 50 b can be linear rows or can be curved as desired. In one example, the central hole axes of the fixation holes 38 of the fixed row lie on a nonlinear path.

The second row 50 b can include likewise include any number of fixation holes 38 as desired. In one example, the second row 50 b can include first and second ones 38 e and 38 f, respectively, of the fixation holes 38. The central hole axes of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b are spaced from the central hole axes of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a in the proximal direction. The first one 38 e of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be disposed between the first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a with respect to the lateral direction A. Similarly, the second one 38 f of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be disposed between the third and fourth ones 38 c and 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a with respect to the lateral direction A.

The first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a and the first one 38 e of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be configured to receive bone screws that are driven into one of the lunate fossa and the sigmoid notch. The third one 38 c of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be configured to receive a bone screw that is driven into the scaphoid fossa. The fourth one 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a and the second one 38 f of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be configured to receive bone screws that are driven into one of the styloid process. It is recognized that the central hole axes 45 of one or more up to all of the fixation holes 38 a-38 f can be perpendicular to one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36, or nonperpendicular to one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36. In one example, the respective central hole axes 45 of the fixation holes 38 d and 38 f may define an angle with respect to one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36 that is less than the angle defined by the central hole axes of the other fixation holes 38 a-38 c and 38 e and the one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36. Thus, the bone fixation holes 38 d and 38 f can be said to have increased angulation with respect to the other fixation holes 38 a-38 c and 38 e. The increased angulation can allow bone screws that are inserted through the fixation holes 38 d and 38 f to be aligned with the styloid reach for fixation to the styloid reach.

Referring now to FIG. 2B in particular, the outer perimeter 48 can be substantially T-shaped. That is, the outer perimeter 48 can define opposed shoulders that flare out from the plate shaft portion 43 along the lateral direction A so as to define a proximal-most aspect of the plate head portion 41. The outer perimeter 48 can flare outward along the lateral direction A as it extends in the distal direction from the shoulders. Thus, the width of the bone plate 30 at the plate head portion 41 increases as it extends in the distal direction. The width can increase at a constant rate. Alternatively, the width can increase at an increasing rate. Alternatively still, the width can increase at a decreasing rate. The plate head portion 41 can define a plurality of fixation holes 38. One or more up to all of the fixation apertures in the plate head portion 41 can be configured as variable angle locking holes 44.

The fixation holes 38 of the head portion 41 can be arranged in a first row 50 a and a second row 50 b that is offset from the first row 50 a in the proximal direction. The first row 50 a can contain a greater number of fixation holes 38 than the second row 50 b. For instance, the first row 50 a can contain double the number of fixation apertures of the second row 50 b. In one example, the first row 50 a can include four fixation holes 38, with first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a disposed on a first side of a longitudinal centerline of the bone plate 30, and third and fourth ones 38 c and 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a disposed on a second side of the longitudinal centerline of the bone plate 30 opposite the first side. The first one 38 a of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be disposed laterally outward with respect to the second one 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a. Similarly, the third one 38 c of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be disposed laterally outward with respect to the fourth one 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a. Further still, the central hole axis of the fourth one 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be offset from the central hole axis of all other ones of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a in the distal direction. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first row 50 a can include any number of fixation holes 38 as desired, arranged as desired. Further, the first and second rows 50 a and 50 b can be linear rows or can be curved as desired. In one example, the central hole axes of the fixation holes 38 of the fixed row lie on a nonlinear path.

The second row 50 b can include likewise include any number of fixation holes 38 as desired. In one example, the second row 50 b can include first and second ones 38 e and 38 f, respectively, of the fixation holes 38. The central hole axes of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b are spaced from the central hole axes of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a in the proximal direction. The first one 38 e of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be disposed between the first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a with respect to the lateral direction A. Similarly, the second one 38 f of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be disposed between the third and fourth ones 38 c and 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a with respect to the lateral direction A.

The first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a and the first one 38 e of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be configured to receive bone screws that are driven into one of the lunate fossa and the sigmoid notch. The third one 38 c of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a can be configured to receive a bone screw that is driven into the scaphoid fossa. The fourth one 38 d of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a and the second one 38 f of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be configured to receive bone screws that are driven into one of the styloid process. As described above with respect to FIG. 2A, it is recognized that the central hole axes 45 of one or more up to all of the fixation holes 38 a-38 f can be perpendicular to one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36, or nonperpendicular to one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36. In one example, the respective central hole axes 45 of the fixation holes 38 d and 38 f may define an angle with respect to one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36 that is less than the angle defined by the central hole axes of the other fixation holes 38 a-38 c and 38 e and the one or both of the bone plate surfaces 34 and 36. Thus, the bone fixation holes 38 d and 38 f can be said to have increased angulation with respect to the other fixation holes 38 a-38 c and 38 e. The increased angulation can allow bone screws that are inserted through the fixation holes 38 d and 38 f to be aligned with the styloid reach for fixation to the styloid reach.

Referring now to FIG. 2C in particular, the outer perimeter 48 can be forked. That is, the plate head portion 41 can define first and second arms 41 a and 41 b that extend away from the plate shaft portion 43 in the distal direction, and are spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. Respective first portions of the first and second arms 41 a and 41 b can flare away from each other along the lateral direction A as they extend away from the plate shaft portion 43. Thus, the laterally outer perimeter 48 at the first portion of the plate head portion 41 can flare out along the lateral direction A as it extends in the distal direction. Respective second portions of the first and second arms 41 a and 41 b can flare toward from each other along the lateral direction A as they extend away from the respective first portions. Thus, the laterally outer perimeter 48 at the second portion of the plate head portion 41 can flare in along the lateral direction A as it extends in the distal direction. The arms 41 a and 41 b can be disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the plate 30.

Each of the first and second arms 41 a and 41 b can include at least one fixation hole 38 such as a plurality of fixation holes 38. One or more up to all of the fixation apertures in the plate head portion 41 can be configured as variable angle locking holes 44. The fixation holes 38 of each of the arms 41 a and 41 b can be arranged in a respective first row 50 a and a second row 50 b that is offset from the first row 50 a in the proximal direction. The first row 50 a can be oriented substantially parallel to the outer perimeter 48 at the distal-most end of the respective arms 41 a and 41 b. For instance, the first row 50 a can contain double the number of fixation apertures of the second row 50 b. In one example, the first row 50 a can include first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first and second arms 41 a and 41 b, respectively. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first row 50 a can include any number of fixation holes 38 as desired, arranged as desired.

The second row 50 b of each of the first and second arms 41 a and 41 b can include likewise include any number of fixation holes 38 as desired. In one example, the second row 50 b can include a respective one 38 c of the fixation holes 38. The central hole axes of the fixation hole 38 of the second row 50 b are spaced from the central hole axes of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a in the proximal direction. The respective one 38 c of the fixation holes 38 of the second row 50 b can be disposed between the first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first row 50 a with respect to the lateral direction A.

The first and second ones 38 a and 38 b of the fixation holes 38 of the first rows 50 a can be configured to receive bone screws that are driven into the lunate fossa and sigmoid notch. Bone screws inserted into the hole 38 c can be aligned to be driven into the scaphoid fossa. Bone screws inserted into the hole 38 d can be aligned to be driven into a styloid fragment. The fixation hole 38 a of the second row 50 b can be configured to receive a bone screw that is driven into the lunate fossa and sigmoid notch. Bone screws can be driven into hole 38 f on the second row to reach and support a styloid fragment.

The variable angle locking hole 44 will now be described, with initial reference to FIGS. 3A-6. In particular, and as described above, the bone plate 30 can include at least one up to a plurality of variable angle locking holes 44. One of the locking holes 44 will now be described in detail, it being that the description is applicable to the other locking holes of the bone plate 30. The bone plate 30 includes the internal surface 39 that extends from the inner surface 34 to the outer surface 36. The internal surface 39 defines the fixation hole 38 that similarly extends through the bone plate body 31 from the outer surface to the inner surface along the central hole axis 45. In one example, the central hole axis 45 can extend along the transverse direction T. It should be appreciated, of course, that the central hole axis 45 can be oriented along any direction as desired, including a direction that is angularly offset with respect to the transverse direction T. As described above, the inner and outer surfaces 34 and 36 are opposite each other along the transverse direction T. Thus, in some examples, the transverse direction T defined by the head portion 41 of the bone plate 30 may be angularly offset with respect to the transverse direction T defined by the shaft portion 43 of the bone plate 30. In other examples, the transverse direction T can be constant along an entirety of the length of the bone plate 30.

The fixation hole 38 is sized to receive the shaft 35 of the bone anchor 32. In particular, the fixation holes 38 has a cross-sectional dimension that is defined from one location of the internal surface 39 to another radially opposite location of the internal surface 39 along a straight linear direction that passes through the central hole axis 45 and is perpendicular to the central hole axis 45. In one example, the cross-sectional dimension defines a diameter of the internal surface 39. Thus, the internal surface 39 can extend along a circular path in cross-section along a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45. However, it is recognized that the internal surface 39 can define any suitable geometry as desired. The cross-sectional dimension is greater than the outer diameter of the at least one thread of the bone anchor shaft 35, such that the shaft 35 can travel through the internal surface 39 so as to extend out from the inner surface 34 and into the underlying bone.

The variable angle locking hole 44 can include the at least one thread 46 that is configured to threadedly mate with the threaded head 33 of the bone anchor 32. In particular, the at least one thread 46 can extend from at least a portion of the internal surface 39 into the fixation hole 38. In one example, the thread 46 can be monolithic with the internal surface 39. Because the at least one thread 46 is an internal at least one thread 46, the at least one thread 46 defines a major diameter at the interface between the at least one thread 46 and the internal surface 39. The at least one thread 46 can extend out from the internal surface to a minor diameter that is radially inwardly spaced from the major diameter. The radially inward direction, as used herein, can be defined as a direction toward the central hole axis 45. A radially outward direction is opposite the radially inward direction. Thus, the radially outward direction, as used herein, can be defined as a direction away from the central hole axis 45. A direction normal to the central hole axis 45 can be said to be radial direction.

In one embodiment, the at least one thread 46 extends along a portion of the axial length of the internal surface 39. Alternatively, the at least one thread 46 can extend along an entirety of the axial length of the internal surface 39. The at least one thread 46 can define a thread path that is sloped with respect to a reference plane. The reference plane can be normal to the central hole axis 45. Thus, the reference plane can be defined by the radial direction. The thread path can be defined by the minor diameter of the at least one thread 46 that defines the thread crest. In one example, the at least one thread 46 can be a helical thread. Thus, the thread path can define a helix. Further, the at least one thread 46 can define a single thread. Alternatively, the at least one thread 46 can include multiple threads. For instance, the at least one thread 46 can be configured as a double lead thread or alternative multiple lead thread.

The internal surface 39 defines an axially inner end 52 that can extend to the inner surface 34. The axially inner end 52 can define an edge that is shared by the inner surface 34. Alternatively, the axially inner end 52 can flare radially outward as it extends in the axially inward direction toward the inner surface 34. In one example, the axially inner end 52 flares radially outward as it extends in the axially inward direction. The axially inner end of the internal surface 39 can be defined by an undercut 56 that flares radially outward to the axially inner surface 34. For instance, the undercut 56 can flare linearly to the axially inner surface 34. Alternatively, at least a portion up to all of the undercut 56 can be curved as it extends to the axially inner surface 34. The undercut 56 can extend about an entirety of the perimeter of the variable angle locking hole 44.

The at least one thread 46 can extend radially inward from the inner surface 34 at the undercut 56. Alternatively, the undercut 56 can be devoid of threads, and can be substantially smooth. As will be appreciated from the description below, the undercut 56 can cause the internal surface 39 to avoid contact with the shaft 35 at angles between the central anchor axis 53 and the central hole axis 45 that would be prevented due to contact between the internal surface 39 and the shaft 35 without the undercut 56. Thus, the undercut 56 can widen the range of angles that are defined by the central anchor axis 53 and the central hole axis 45 at which the threaded head 33 is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread 46 in the fixation hole 38.

The internal surface 39 defines an axially outer end 54 that is opposite the axially inner end 52. The axially outer end 54 can extend to the outer surface 36. The axially outer end 54 can define an edge that is shared by the inner surface 34. Alternatively, the axially outer end 54 can flare radially outward as it extends in an axially outward direction that is opposite the axially inward direction, and thus in a direction from the inner surface 34 toward the outer surface 36. For instance, the axially outer end 54 can flare radially outward as it extends in the outward direction to the outer surface 36. It should be appreciated that the axially inward and axially outward directions can be oriented along the transverse direction T, or can define an angle with respect to the transverse direction T. For instance, the internal surface 39 can be tapered and extend along both the axially inward direction and the axially outward direction.

The at least one thread 46 can extend from a first location 46 a to a second location 46 b that is offset from the first location 46 a along the axially outward direction. The at least one thread terminates at the first location 46 a and the second location 46 b. The first location 46 a can extend to the inner end 52 of the internal surface 39. Thus, the first location 46 a can extend to the inner surface 34. Alternatively, the first location 46 a can be offset from the inner surface 34 along the axially outward direction. The second location 46 a can extend to the outer end 54 of the internal surface 39. Thus, the first location 46 a can extend to a second region 49 of the internal surface 39 described in more detail below. Alternatively, the second location 46 b can extend to the outer surface 36. Alternatively, the second location 46 b can be offset from the outer surface 36 along the axially inward direction. As will be appreciated from the description below, the at least one thread 46 defines at least one discontinuous segment between the first location 46 a and the second location 46 b. The first location 46 a can be defined by the inner end 52 of the internal surface 39. Thus, the first location 46 a can extend inwardly to the inner surface 34. Alternatively, the first location 46 a can be offset from the inner surface 34 along the axially outward direction.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 3A-6, the plate body 31, and thus the bone plate 30, can define a plurality of (e.g., at least two) recesses 60 that divide the at least one thread 46 into a plurality of (e.g., at least two) columns 62. In particular, the recesses 60 divide the at least one thread 46 into a plurality of columns of thread segments 64 that are described in more detail below. The columns 62 can extend from the axially outer surface 36 to the axially inner surface 34. Opposed pairs of the columns 62 can be disposed radially opposite each other through the central hole axis 45. At least a portion up to an entirety of each of the recesses 60 can extend through the threaded region 47 at least to the internal surface 39 along the radially outward direction away from the central hole axis 45. For instance, at least a portion up to an entirety of each of the recesses can extend into the internal surface 39 along the radially outward direction away from the central hole axis 45. Thus, the recesses 60 can further extend radially outward through the at least one thread 46 that is carried by the internal surface 39. Each of the recesses 60 terminates radially at a respective recessed surface 61 of the plate body 31. Thus, it can be said that the recesses 60 can be at least partially or fully defined by the recessed surface 61. It can further be said that each recessed surface 61 defines a radial outer perimeter of the respective recesses 60. The recesses 60 can extend through the bone plate body 31 from the axially inner surface 34 to the axially outer surface 36. The recessed surface 61 of each of the recesses 60 between adjacent ones of the columns 62 can define any suitable surface area as desired. For instance, the surface area of the recessed surface 61 of each of the recesses 60 from the inner surface 34 to the outer surface 36 can be between approximately 3 mm² and approximately 7 mm², such as between approximately 4 mm² and approximately 6 mm², and in one example can be approximately 5.1 mm². The terms “approximate” and “substantially” as used herein with respect to dimensions and shapes recognizes that manufacturing tolerances along with other factors, such as rounding, can cause variation in measurements and distances. Further, term “between” with respect to ranges of dimensions is used herein to also include the respective dimensions.

In one example, the plate body 31 can include four recesses 60 that are circumferentially spaced apart from each other. However, it is appreciated that the plate body 31 can include any number of recesses 60, greater than one, as desired, so as to define the variable angle locking hole 44 of the type described herein. Further, the respective constant distance of the recessed surfaces of each of the recesses 60 can be the same as each other. In this regard, each of the recesses 60 can be substantially identical to each other. Further, the recesses 60 can be circumferentially equidistantly spaced from each other about the central hole axis 45. Alternatively, the recesses 60 can be circumferentially spaced from each other a variable distance about the central hole axis 45. Similarly, the plate body 31 can include four columns 62 of thread segments 64 that are circumferentially spaced apart from each other. However, it is appreciated that the plate body 31 can include any number of columns 62, greater than one, as desired, so as to define the variable angle locking hole 44 of the type described herein. The columns 62 can be substantially identical to each other. Further, the columns 62 can be circumferentially equidistantly spaced from each other about the central hole axis 45. Alternatively, the columns 62 can be circumferentially spaced from each other a variable distance about the central hole axis 45.

The recesses 60 can have a radial depth sufficient such that the recessed surface 61 is recessed with respect to the internal surface 39 along the radially outward direction. That is, the recessed surface 61 can define a radial distance from the central hole axis 45 that is greater than the radial distance from the central hole axis 45 to the major diameter of the at least one thread 46. Further, an entirety of the recessed surface 61 can define a curvature along a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45 from a first end of the recessed surface 61 that adjoins the internal surface 39 to a second end of the recessed surface 61 that adjoins the internal surface 39. The curvature can be a constant curvature from the first end to the second end. In one example, the recessed surface 61 extends along a circular path along the plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45.

The recesses 60 further extend in a direction defined from the axially inner surface 34 toward the outer surface 36. In one example, each of the recesses 60 can extend from a respective axially first or inner terminal end to a respective opposed axially second or outer terminal end. The inner terminal end can be disposed at the axially inner surface 34. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the size of the undercut 56, the inner terminal end can be disposed at the undercut 56. The undercut 56 can be localized at a location aligned with the columns 62 so as to not extend circumferentially beyond the column 62. Alternatively, the undercut 56 can extend about the entire perimeter of the variable angle locking hole 44. The outer terminal end can be spaced axially inward from the axially outer surface 36. Accordingly, the axially outer surface 36 can define an opening 29 of the variable angle locking hole 44. The opening 29 thus has an outer perimeter that is defined by the axially outer surface 36 of the bone plate 30. The axially outer surface 36 at the opening 29 is defined by the internal surface 39 and each of the recessed surfaces 61. The axially outer surface 36 at the opening 29 at locations defined by the internal surface 39 can be concave to the central hole axis 45 and defined by a first radius of curvature, and the axially outer surface 36 at the opening 29 at locations defined by the recessed surfaces 61 can be concave to the central hole axis 45 and defined by a second radius of curvature that is less than the first radius of curvature. It should be appreciated, however, that the outer perimeter of the opening 29 can define any suitable alternative shape as desired. Further, an entirety of the recessed surfaces 61 of each of the recesses 60 can be offset from the outer perimeter of the opening 29 in the radially inward direction, that is toward the central hole axis 45.

Adjacent ones of the columns 62 can be separated by a common one of the recesses 60. The adjacent ones of the columns 62 can be referred to as circumferentially adjacent ones of the columns 62. The columns 62 and recesses 60 can define circumferential centerlines that extend along planes that intersect the central hole axis 45. The circumferential centerlines of the columns can be circumferentially offset from circumferential centerlines of the recesses 60 by 45 degrees. Each of the columns 62 includes a plurality of thread segments 64. The thread segments 64 can be defined by the least one thread 46 that is divided into the thread segments 64 by the recesses 60. Thus, circumferentially adjacent ones of the columns 62 of thread segments are separated from each other by a respective one of the recesses 60. The thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 can be discontinuous with respect to the thread segments 64 of the other ones of the columns 62 at the recesses 60. Thus, each of the recesses 60 interrupts the at least one thread 46 and divides the at least one thread 46 into the corresponding plurality of thread segments 64.

The thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 can thus be circumferentially offset from the thread segments 64 of the other ones of the columns 62. Further, adjacent ones of the circumferentially spaced thread segments 64 can be separated by a common one of the recesses 60. Thus at least one or more of the thread segments 64 up to all of the thread segments 64 are aligned with at least one other of the thread segments 64 of an adjacent one of the columns 62 along the thread path. For instance, at least one or more of the thread segments 64 up to all of the thread segments 64 are aligned with at least one other of the thread segments 64 of an adjacent one of the columns 62 along a helical path. In one example, each of a plurality of the thread segments 64 of a respective one of the columns 62 is aligned along a thread path with 1) a first one the thread segments 64 of a first other one of the columns 62 that is adjacent the respective one of the columns 62 along a first circumferential direction, and 2) a second one the thread segments 64 of a second other one of the columns 62 that is adjacent the respective one of the columns 62 along a second circumferential direction that is opposite the first circumferential direction. Thus, the respective one of the columns 62 is disposed circumferentially between the first other one of the columns and the second other one of the columns. Further, the thread segments 64 of the respective one of the columns 62 is disposed between the first one of the thread segments 64 and the second one of the thread segments 64 with respect to the transverse direction T.

Each of the columns 62 can define a circumferential length in a respective plane oriented normal to the central hole axis 45. The circumferential length of each of the columns 62 can increase in the radially inward direction. The thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 are offset from each other along the transverse direction T. Further, each of the thread segments 64 defines first and second circumferentially opposed terminal ends. Each of the thread segments 64 defines a respective circumferential length from the first circumferentially terminal end to the second circumferentially terminal end. The circumferential lengths can be measured at the crests of the thread segments 64, which can be defined by the minor diameter. In one example, the circumferential lengths of the thread segments 64 increase in the axially inward direction. In particular, the columns 62 define at least three consecutive ones of the thread segments 64 whose circumferential lengths increase along the axially inward direction. It can thus also be said that the circumferential lengths of the at least three consecutive ones of the thread segments 64 decrease in the axially outward direction. The consecutive thread segments 64 are defined such that no other threads are disposed between the thread segments 64 of consecutive thread segments 64. Accordingly, each of the columns 62 can define a circumferentially flared region 63 as the column 62 extends in the axially inward direction. The circumferentially flared region 63 is defined by the thread segments 64 whose circumferential lengths increase in the axially inward direction. In one example, the circumferential lengths of the thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 can increase from the axially outer end of the column 62 to the undercut 56. The circumferential length of the thread segments 64 can decrease in the axially inward direction from the circumferentially flared region 63 to the axially inner surface 34. In particular, the undercut 56 can define a thread segment 64 that is consecutive with an axially innermost one of the thread segments 64 of the circumferentially flared region 63, and defines a circumferential length less than that of the axially innermost one of the thread segments 64 of the circumferentially flared region 63. If the bone plate 30 does not include the undercut 56, the circumferential lengths of each of the columns 62 can increase from the axially outer end of the columns 62 to the inner surface 34.

The circumferential lengths of the thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 can increase at a constant rate in the axially inward direction. Thus, the circumferentially flared region 63 can be conical with respect to a of the circumferentially outward tapered region perpendicular to the central hole axis. Alternatively, the circumferential lengths of the thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 can increase at an increasing rate in the axially inward direction. Alternatively still, the circumferential lengths of the thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 can increase at a decreasing rate in the axially inward direction.

The circumferentially flared region 63 is positioned so as to purchase with the threaded head 33 of the bone anchor 32 when the bone anchor 32 is oriented such that the angle defined by the central anchor axis 53 and the hole axis 45 are within the range of angles in which the threaded head 33 is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread 46 in the fixation hole 38. In particular, the threaded head is configured to thrededly mate with at least a portion of the circumferentially flared region 63 of the at least one thread 46 when the bone anchor 32 is oriented such that the angle defined by the central anchor axis 53 and the hole axis 45 are within the range of angles. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the circumferentially flared region 63 can achieve reliable fixation with the bone anchor 32 due to increasing threaded surface area for purchase in the axially inward direction.

The plate body 31, and thus the plate 30, can define a plurality of steps 58 that project radially outward with respect to the internal surface 39 at the columns 62. For instance, the steps 58 can project radially outward from the internal surface 39 at the columns 62. The steps 58 can be oriented along a plane that is sloped with respect to a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45. For instance, each of the steps 58 can extend in the axially inward direction as it extends in the radially inward direction. Alternatively, the steps 58 can be oriented along a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45. Thus, it should be appreciated that the steps 58 can be oriented along any suitable direction as desired.

The steps 58 can separate the internal surface 39 at the columns 62 and a plurality of second regions 49 that extend from respective ones of the steps 58 to the axially outer surface 36. The second regions 49 can be inline with respective ones of the columns 62 with respect to the transverse direction T. Thus, the axially outer end 54 of the inner surface 39 can be defined by the second region 49. Further, the outer surface 36 at the perimeter of the opening 29 can be defined by the second regions 49 of the internal surface 39 and the recessed surfaces 61. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the recesses 60 can extend circumferentially between adjacent ones of the second regions 49. Each of the second regions 49 can be tapered radially inwardly as it extends in the axially inward direction. For instance, the second region 49 can be tapered radially inwardly from the axially outer surface 36 to the step 58. In one example, the second region 49 can be conical. Alternatively, the second region 49 can be curved as it extends in the axially inward direction.

The columns 62 can extend from the step 58 to the axially inner surface 34. Alternatively, the columns 62 can extend from the step 58 to the undercut 56. Further, each of the steps 58 can be circumferentially tapered inwardly as it extends radially inwardly from a radially outer end to a radially inner end. The steps 58 can adjoin to the second 49 region at the radially outer end. The radially inner end of each of the steps 58 can adjoin the axially outer end of a respective one of the columns 62 at an edge. The edge can define a circumferential length that is less than the circumferential length of the radially outer end of the step 58. For instance, in one example, the circumferential length of the edge can be between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 0.6 mm, such as between approximately 0.3 mm and approximately 0.5 mm, for instance approximately 0.42 mm. The columns 62 can define any suitable height as desired.

The second region 49 of the internal surface 39 can flare radially outward from the step 58 to the axially outer surface 36. For instance, the second region 49 of the internal surface 39 can flare linearly along a direction from the step to the axially outer surface 36. Alternatively, at least a portion up to all of the second region 49 of the internal surface 39 can be curved as it extends from the step 58 to the axially outer surface 36. It should be appreciated that the internal surface 39 at the columns 62 can be offset in the radially inward direction from the second region 49. That is, the internal surface 39 at the columns 62 can be disposed between the second region 49 and the central hole axis 45 with respect to the radial direction.

Further, at least a portion up to all of the internal surface 39 at each of the columns 62 can be tapered radially inwardly along its length as it extends in the axially inward direction. For instance, the internal surface 39 at each of the columns 62 can be conical from its axially outer end to the undercut 56, or alternatively can be conical from its axially outer end to the axially inner surface 34 of the undercut 56 is not present. These areas can be referred to as tapered threaded areas 51 of the columns 62, and thus of the internal surface 39. The tapered threaded area 51 can define an axially outer end and an axially inner end. The axially outer end of the tapered threaded area 51 can be defined by the step 58. Alternatively, if the bone plate 30 does not include the step 58 as described below with respect to FIGS. 9A-9B, then the axially outer end of the tapered threaded area 51 can be defined by the axially outer surface 36. The axially inner end of the tapered threaded area 51 can be defined at the undercut 56. Alternatively, if the bone plate does not include the undercut 56, then the axially inner end of the tapered threaded area 51 can be defined by the axially inner surface 34. As described above, the circumferential lengths of consecutive thread segments 64 of each of the columns 62 can increase in the axially inward direction. The consecutive thread segments can be defined by the tapered threaded area 51 of the columns 62.

The first and second ends of an entirety of the recessed surface 61 at an entirety of the tapered threaded area 51 can diverge away from each other as they adjoin the internal surface 39. Further, a straight line that extends from the first end of the recessed surface to the second end of the recessed surface at the entirety of the tapered threaded area 51 can define a chord of a circle that defines the circular path of the recessed surface 61. The chord can be disposed between the center of the circle and the recessed surface 61. Thus, the first and second ends of the recessed surface can define a circumferential length that is less or equal to (e.g., no more than) than 180 degrees of the circle that defines the circular path of the recessed surface 61 along a plane that is normal to the central hole axis 45, along an entirety of the tapered threaded area 51. The circumferential length of the recessed surface 61 can decrease along the axially outward direction. For instance, the recessed surface 61 can define a minor arc along the plane from the first end of the recessed surface 61 to the second end of the recessed surface 61, at an entirety of the tapered threaded area 51.

The undercut 56 can extend out from the axially inner end of the radially inwardly tapered region of the internal surface 39. Further, the undercut 56 can carry a portion of the at least one thread 46, and thus can define a portion of the columns 62. Alternatively, the undercut 56 can be devoid of threads. In one example, one or both of the steps 58 and the second region 49 of the internal surface 39 can be devoid of threads designed to purchase with the threaded head 33 of the bone anchor 32. Thus, one or both of the steps 58 and the second region 49 of the internal surface 39 can be said to be substantially smooth. Thus, the fixation hole 38 can be configured to receive the head of a compression screw, such that the head of the compression screw abuts the second region 49 and applies a compression force to the bone plate that urges the bone plate toward, for instance against, the underlying bone as the compression screw is driven into the underlying bone.

The steps 58 can be disposed circumferentially between adjacent ones of the recesses 60. Similarly, the second regions 49 can be disposed circumferentially between adjacent ones of the recesses 60. Thus, the steps 58 can be aligned with the columns 62 with respect to the transverse direction T. Accordingly, the internal surface 39 of each one of the columns 62 at the step 58 can define a constant curvature along its circumferential length along a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45. The constant curvature can, for instance, extend along a circular path. The recessed surfaces 61 can similarly define a constant circumferential curvature along the plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45. The circumferential curvature of the recessed surfaces 61 can be greater than the circumferential curvature of the step 58. Thus, the circumferential curvature of the step 58 can be defined by a first radius, and the circumferential curvature of the recessed surface 61 can be defined by a second radius that is less than the first radius. Similarly, the internal surface 39 of each of the second regions 49 can define a constant curvature along its circumferential length along a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis 45. The constant curvature can, for instance, extend along a circular path. The circumferential curvature of the recessed surfaces 61 be greater than the circumferential curvature of each of the second regions 49.

The internal surface 39 of each one of the columns 62 at the step 58 can define any circumferential length and shape as desired. In one example, the circumferential length of the internal surface 39 of each of the columns 62 at the step 58 can be between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 0.6 mm, such as between approximately 0.3 mm and approximately 0.5 mm, for instance approximately 0.42 mm. The columns 62 can define any suitable height as desired, such as between approximately 1.2 mm to approximately 2.0 mm, for instance, approximately 1.6 mm.

The recesses 60 can be oriented in any direction as desired. For instance, the recesses 60 can each be sloped with respect to the central hole axis 45 as it extends along the axially outward direction. Accordingly, in one example, the recessed surface 61 of each of the recesses 60 can be spaced from the central hole axis 45 a respective distance that increases along its length along the axially outward direction. Further, the circumferential length of the recessed surface 61 along a respective plane oriented normal to the central hole axis 45 can increase as the recessed surface 61 extends in the radially outward direction at a location whereby the respective plane further extends into the circumferentially flared region 63.

The internal surface 39 at each of the columns 62 from the step 58 to the axially inner surface 34 can define any suitable surface area as desired. The columns 62 can thus include the tapered threaded area 51 and the undercut 56. For instance, the surface area defined by each of the columns 62 can be between approximately 2 mm² and approximately 6 mm², such as between approximately 3 mm² and approximately 5 mm², such as approximately 4.2 mm². In one example, the plate body 31 can define an interface between the axially inner end of the circumferentially flared region 63 and the undercut 56. The interface can have any suitable length as desired. For instance, the length of the interface can be between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 0.9 mm, such as between approximately 0.3 mm and approximately 0.7 mm, such as approximately 0.5 mm.

Fabrication of the bone plate 30 can include the step of creating a through-hole through the bone plate body 31 from the axially outer surface 36 to the axially inner surface 34. The creating step can, for instance, include the step of creating the through-hole through the bone plate body 31 so as to define an interior surface of the plate body 31. The through-hole can be created such that the interior surface of the bone plate body 31 tapers radially inward toward the central hole axis 45 as it extends in the axially inward direction, as described above. The creating step can, in one example, include the step of drilling the through-hole through the bone plate body 31. The drilling step can be performed in a single step, or in multiple steps of creating a through-hole, and then defining the through-hole to have a conical shape. Further, the drilling step can include the step of creating a counterbore so as to define the step 58 and the corresponding second region 49 as described above. However, as recognized from the description below, the bone plate 30 can be devoid of the step 58, such that the internal surface 39 defines the columns 62 and not the second region 49. Accordingly, the internal surface 39 can define a constant taper from the axially outer surface 36 to the undercut 56, or to the axially inner surface 34 if the bone plate 30 does not include the undercut. The method can further include the step of creating the undercut 56 at the axially inner surface 34. The undercut 56 can be created during the step of creating the through-hole, or after the through-hole has been created.

Next, the method can include the step of cutting the at least one thread 46 into the interior surface so as to define the internal surface 39 and the at least one thread 46. It should be appreciated that the minor diameter of the at least one thread 46 can be defined by the crest of the at least one thread, and the major diameter of the at least one thread can be defined by the internal surface 39. The at least one thread 46 can define a height from the minor diameter to the major diameter along its length. In one example, the height can be constant along at least a plurality of revolutions of the at least one thread 46 about the central hole axis 45. Thus, the minor diameter of the thread can lie on a conical geometric shape. In another example, the height can increase or decrease along the length of the at least one thread 46 as the at least one thread 46 extends in the axially inward direction. The method can further include the step of creating the recesses 60 in the internal surface 39. The step of creating the recesses 60 can similarly create the columns 62. Thus, the step of creating the recesses 60 can be performed after the at least one thread is formed 46. Alternatively, the step of creating the recesses 60 can be performed prior to forming the at least one thread 46. The recesses 60 can be created in the interior surface to define the columns 62, and the at least one thread 46 can then be created in the columns 62 so as to define the interior surface 39 and the at least one thread. Because the recessed surfaces 61 are curved along an entirety of their length along a plane oriented normal to the central hole axis 45, the step of creating the recesses 60 can be achieved by drilling into the bone plate 30 along at least a portion of the internal surface 39. Thus, each of the recesses 60 defines a circumferential end that is open at the internal surface 39. In one example, each of the recesses 60 can be drilled into the axially inner surface 34 along the axially inward direction, such that the inner end of the recesses 60 have a radial depth that increases as the recesses 60 extend in the axially outward direction. For instance, a drilling tool having a conical shape can be used to drill the recesses 60 to the axially inner surface 34. Next, a second drilling operation can create the undercut 56 by drilling in the axially outward direction from the axially inner surface 34. The radial depth of the recesses 60 can be selected so as to define the columns 62 of thread segments 64 as described above.

The bone plate body 31 can define a height along the transverse direction T from the axially inner surface 34 to the axially outer surface 36. The height can be any suitable height as desired. In one example, the height can be between approximately 1.3 mm and approximately 3.0 mm, such as approximately 2.25 mm. This height can also be said to define the height of the columns 62.

A method of bone fixation using the bone fixation system 20 will now be described with further reference to FIGS. 7-8. In particular, the bone plate 30 is brought into proximity with the underlying bone. For instance, the axially inner surface 34 can be brought into contact with the underlying bone, or can be spaced from the underlying bone. A plurality of bone anchors can be inserted through respective bone fixation holes 38 of the bone plate 30 so as to fix the bone plate 30 to the underlying bone at opposite locations of a bone defect of the underlying bone. The method of fixing the bone plate 30 to the underlying bone through the variable angle locking holes 44 includes the step of inserting the shaft 35 of the bone anchor 32 through the fixation hole 38, which can be configured as the variable angle locking hole 44, and into the underlying bone. The bone anchor 32 can be rotated about the central anchor axis 53 so as to drive the shaft 35 into the underlying bone. As the bone anchor 32 is being driven into the bone, the central anchor axis 53 can define any suitable angle with respect to the central hole axis 45 within a range of angles. The range of angles can extend from 0 degrees to 15 degrees as defined by the central anchor axis 53 and the central hole axis 45 in any direction about the central hole axis 45, that is along the full 360 degree circumference about the central hole axis 45. The range of angles can be achieved when bone screw fixation instrumentation, such as a drill guide, is also inserted into the fixation hole 38. The range of angles of the central hole axis 45 with respect to the central anchor axis 53 can define a cone about the central hole axis 45. Thus, the central hole axis 45 can define the axis of the cone.

Continuing rotation of the bone anchor 32 while the angle defined by the central anchor axis 53 and the central hole axis 45 is in the range of angles causes the threaded head 33 to advance into the variable angle locking hole 44, such that the threaded head 33 threadedly mates with the at least one thread 46 of the variable angle locking hole 44. For instance, a portion of the threaded head 33 can threadedly mate with the at least one thread at the circumferentially flared region 63. The continuously flared region 63 is configured to define increasing area for threaded fixation for the head 33 along the axially inward direction with respect to conventional variable angle locking holes having recesses that separate an entirety of a thread into a plurality of columns of thread segments, thereby increasing the reliability of the threaded purchase between the bone plate and the bone anchor 32. It is recognized that different angles between the central anchor axis 53 and the central hole axis 45 will cause the threaded head 33 to threadedly purchase with different locations of the at least one thread 46 with respect to the transverse direction T.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the recesses 60 assist in the ability of the bone anchor 32 to angulate with respect to the central hole axis 45 within the range of angles while threadedly purchasing with the at least one thread 46. Further, without being bound by theory, it is believed that the ability of the threaded head 33 to threadedly purchase with both the columns 62 of thread segments 64 at the circumferentially flared region 63 of the at least one thread 46 can provide more reliable fixation than conventional variable angle locking holes.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, it is recognized that the plate 30 can be constructed in accordance with numerous examples, some of which have been described above. In one example, the bone plate 30 can be devoid of the step 58 and the second region 49 of the internal surface 39. Accordingly, the surface that previously defined the step 58 of the bone plate 30 can define the axially outer surface 36. Thus, each of the columns 62, can extend from the axially outer surface 36 to the axially inner surface 34. The circumferentially flared region 63 can extend from the axially outer surface 36 to the undercut 56. Alternatively, for instance if the bone plate 30 does not include the undercut 56, the circumferentially flared region 63 can extend from the axially outer surface 36 to the axially inner surface 34.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that removing the second region 49 such that the step 58 defines the axially outer surface 36 allows the bone plate 30 to have a decreased height with respect to conventional variable angle bone plates while exhibiting increased purchase between the threaded screw head 33 and the bone plate 30 in the variable angle locking hole 44. Thus, in one example, the height of the bone plate 30 from the axially inner surface 34 to the axially outer surface 36 along the transverse direction T can be between approximately 1.2 mm and approximately 2.0 mm, such as approximately 1.6 mm.

The embodiments described in connection with the illustrated embodiments have been presented by way of illustration, and the present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will realize that the invention is intended to encompass all modifications and alternative arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth by the appended claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A bone fixation system comprising: an internal surface defining a fixation hole that extends from the outer surface to the inner surface along a central hole axis oriented along a transverse direction; at least one thread that extends from the internal surface into the fixation hole; wherein the bone plate further defines a plurality of recesses that divide the at least one thread into a plurality of columns of thread segments offset from each other along the transverse direction, the thread segments of each of the columns having respective circumferential lengths that sequentially increase, and a bone anchor having a threaded head and a shaft that extends out with respect to the threaded head, wherein the threaded head is configured to threadedly mate with the at least one thread selectively when the bone anchor is oriented at first and second different orientations with respect to the central hole axis.
 2. The bone fixation system, as recited in claim 1, wherein the bone plate defines an inner surface configured to face bone and an outer surface opposite the inner surface along an axially outward direction, and each of the columns defines at least three thread segments that are consecutive with each other whose circumferential lengths increase in an axially inward direction that is opposite the axially outward direction.
 3. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 2, wherein the circumferential lengths of the consecutive thread segments increase at a constant rate in the axially inward direction.
 4. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 2, wherein the inner surface defines an undercut that flares radially outward as it extends along an axially inward direction from the outer surface toward the inner surface.
 5. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 4, wherein the columns further include a portion of the undercut.
 6. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 4, wherein the undercut can define a thread segment that is consecutive with an axially innermost one of the thread segments of the columns, and defines a circumferential length less than that of the axially innermost one of the thread segment of the columns.
 7. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 2, wherein the internal surface tapers inwardly as it extends in the axially inward direction.
 8. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 7, wherein the internal surface is conical.
 9. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one thread extends along a helical thread path.
 10. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 2, wherein the internal surface defines a radially outwardly extending step that separates the internal surface at the columns from a plurality of second regions that are disposed between the columns and the outer surface.
 11. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 10, wherein the second regions are radially outwardly offset from the internal surface at the columns.
 12. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 10, wherein the second regions are inwardly tapered as they extend in the axially inward direction.
 13. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 12, wherein the second regions are conical.
 14. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 10, wherein the second regions are unthreaded.
 15. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 10, wherein the second regions are disposed circumferentially between adjacent ones of the recesses.
 16. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 15, wherein the recesses are defined by respective recessed surfaces, the second regions are defined by a first curvature along a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis, and the recessed surfaces are defined by a second curvature along the plane that is greater than the first curvature.
 17. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 10, wherein the internal surface defines a tapered threaded area that extends in the radially inward direction as it extends in the axially inward direction, wherein the tapered threaded area is disposed between the step and the inner surface.
 18. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 2, wherein the recesses extend through both the inner and outer surfaces.
 19. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the recesses are defined by recessed surfaces that are constantly curved from a first end that adjoins the internal surface to a second end that adjoins the internal surface along a plane that is oriented normal to the central hole axis.
 20. The bone fixation system as recited in claim 19, wherein the recessed surfaces define respective circumferential lengths from the first end to the second end that is no more than 180 degrees. 